What Is Allowed in a Zone

Zoning - Answers

The following sources of information should be able to answer most zoning-related questions. Answers to zoning-related questions can also be obtained by using this form or calling the Development Center Information Line at (253) 798-3739.

Pierce County Zoning Code

The Pierce County zoning code (Title 18A) is available online as a PDF.

Online Zoning Information

To determine the zoning of a parcel you must know the parcel number or the site address. If you have this information, you can use About My Property online, this form or you can telephone the PALS Permit Information Hotline at (253)798-3739.

Allowed Uses
Allowable uses are grouped by community plan and then by Urban and Rural zones within the zoning code.

Setbacks

Common Zoning-Related Topics

Accessory Dwelling Units

Definition

Accessory
dwelling unit' means a second dwelling unit added to, created within,
or detached from a single-family detached dwelling for use as a
completely independent or semi-independent unit with provisions for
cooking, eating, sanitation, and sleeping.

Purpose

Accessory
dwelling units (ADUs) are intended to increase the supply of affordable
and independent housing for a variety of households, increase home and
personal security, provide supplemental earnings for people with limited
incomes, and increase residential densities. This should occur by
utilizing the existing infrastructure and community resources throughout
the County while protecting the existing character of single-family
neighborhoods. See Chapter 18A.36.

Application

The
owner occupant shall apply for a Building Permit for an ADU. A complete
application form must demonstrate that all size thresholds and design
standards are met.

General Requirements

ADUs
are only allowed accessory to existing single-family residential
structures. Only one ADU is allowed per lot of record. ADUs within the
Urban Growth Area may be no more than 1,000 square feet in size. ADUs
outside the Urban Growth Area may be no more than 1,250 square feet in
size. Other design requirements also apply to ADUs, please see Section 18A.36.070 L.

Building Setbacks

Definition

The
minimum required distance between any structure and a specified line
such as a lot, public or private right-of-way, easement, future street
right-of-way as identified through an official control or buffer line
that is required to remain free of structures unless otherwise provided
herein.

Standards

Setback standards are
provided in the Density and Dimensions tables for each community plan
area and for the areas outside of all the community plan areas. The
tables are located at the end of each respective zoning code chapter.

Additional
Setback Standards including how setbacks are measured, yard
designations, setback exceptions and other setback standards are
specified in the Residential Density and Lot Dimension Standards, Chapter 18A.15.

Density

Definition

Density
refers to the number of dwelling units allowed per acre. A density
range, Base, Minimum and Maximum, is provided for all Urban Zones except
for Employment Center zones. A range of density, Base and a Maximum, is
provided for all Rural Zones except for Rural Center zones.

Height Limitations

Definition

'Structure
height' is the vertical distance from the average elevation of the
finished grade on each wall of a building to the top of a flat or shed
roof, or mansard roof, and the average distance between the bottom of
the eaves to the highest point of a pitched, hipped, gambrel, or gable
roof.

Restrictions

Structural heights are
restricted based upon zone classification. Height limitations are
specified in the Density and Dimension Tables provided for the areas not
included in a community plan, and for each community plan area. The
tables are located at the end of each respective chapter in the zoning
code. Special height requirements apply to fences, retaining walls, and
bulkheads. These special requirements are specified in Table 18A.15.040-3, Height.

Home Occupations

Definition

'Home
occupation' means any business activity carried on within the principal
residence or within a permitted accessory structure which does not have
to meet fire and building code regulations for business or industrial
occupancy.

Where Allowed

Home occupations are allowed as an accessory use to all single-family residences subject to the standards specified in Section 18A.36.070 K.

Nonconforming Development

Definition

'Nonconforming'
means a building, structure, parcel of land, or lot that was legal when
brought into existence but does not meet the current comprehensive plan
or development regulation requirements.

To
confirm that a property is legally nonconforming and/or to find out
what kind of new uses can replace a nonconforming use, please apply for a
nonconforming use confirmation.

Variances

Definition

'Variance'
means an adjustment to the bulk standards (i.e. setback or height
requirements) of the zoning regulation. A variance may not be granted to
vary from restricted or permitted uses or required density for any zone
classification. Variances can be processed either administratively or
through the Hearing Examiner process depending on the extent of the
variance request. Variances are typically used to request reductions in
setbacks, increase in height, and other deviations from bulk standards.

Review Criteria

In order for a variance to be approved, it must meet the criteria specified in Section 18A.75.040.